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Al Vega

 

Al Vega and the New England Jazz All-Stars


May 23, 2002 @ Scullers


Smilingly posed at the 81-year-old’s “bar mitzvah,” this special set at Boston’s best jazz room featured the legendary likes of sax symbols Dick Johnson and “Evil” Ted Casher, bassist Marshall Wood and the host of hosts, Ron Della Chiesa. Among the packed-in members of the audience were bandleader Bill Winiker and international recording star Carol Sloane, both of whom had come to support their musical neighbors.
Opening with a broad and peppy rendition of Ellington’s “A Train,” the stage-stuffing group was led by trumpeter/lounge singer Johnny Sousa in a hand-drummed and rhythmic run through Mancini’s “Charade.” When Vega introduced Getz’s “Puh-dee-doh” in his Bah-ston accent, the band really got into it, letting loose a four-man brass wave (which also included trombonist Artie Montenegro) that shimmered in shades of burnished gold. Japanese export Dolly Baker joined the boys for a mike-robatic take on “It Had to be You” and was herself joined by Sinatra protégé Steve Marvin for such Chairman-ed chestnuts as “Nice n’ Easy” and “Witchcraft.” As Marshall flowed around the frets and Artie blurped along with the smokin’ sax sets, Al sat on the side (though not on the sidelines), as tastefully understated as ever (save perhaps his red sport coat). It was a special night for Boston’s jazz scene and everyone had a great time!

- Matthew S. Robinson
c. 2002, M. S. Robinson, ARR


 

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